Introduction

The Cosmati pavement in front of the High Altar at Westminster Abbey, an intricate thirteenth century mosaic floor, lay hidden under carpet to protect its fragile surface, away from public view for over a hundred years until a two-year restoration project by the Abbey brought it back to life..

Conserving the pavement

Centuries of dirt and grime were painstakingly removed by a team of conservators to reveal the brilliant inlaid floor. A major challenge was how the team could use a minimum amount of intervention to stabilise the floor enough so it could be brought back into regular use..

The films

The Abbey commissioned over 40 films to follow the progress of the project. Featuring all elements of the work from start to finish and interviewing key experts about the history of the pavement, its significance and the conservation techniques involved, the films offer a unique insight into the restoration of this medieval masterpiece..